As I walk the beautiful boardwalk on the bay in my neighborhood—sometimes called waterfront trail—I have been listening to Moms. I compiled some of what I heard over the past weeks below.  Consider this “voice collage” a tribute to all mothers at all stages.

Happy Mother’s Day—everyday!

“Come back here!” Frantic Mom chasing fast toddler—with mischievous smile.

“I told her if she wants that damn phone back, she has to keep up her end of the bargain.” Confident Mom sauntering with a friend.

“If you are ready to go, sure, I’m ready; we can head on out.” Thoughtful Mom talking to her college-age son who has a plan for their next destination.

“Yes, sweetie, that’s a new statute out there on the rock.” Responsive Mom pushing stroller with baby and answering her 4-year-old’s question, “What’s that, Mommy?” while moving her along to keep pace with stroller.

“He’s just not into Zoom homework.” “I know what you mean, they can only sit so long.” “I told her: bike, jumping rope, or swings. One or the other each afternoon.” Three Coping Moms sharing tips as they slow down after jogging together. 

“I’m worried he just doesn’t understand what’s in store for him if he keeps this up. He’s 13 already.” Concerned Mom talking with her husband, as they walk together, holding hands.

“Come back here!” Another frantic Mom chasing another mischievous smiling toddler.

“My eight-year-old loves, loves to read.” Delighted Mom sharing with two friends as they glide by on bikes.

“Let me explain this one last time…” Frustrated Mom talking with husband as their 7 and 10-year-old run ahead.

“OK! time to get your vibes on. Everyone have their vibes on?” Energized Mom encouraging three tweens as they all briskly scoot by.

“My doctor said that is normal for ovulation…” “I didn’t know that was the case with twins.” Two young mothers looking out at the bay, exchanging notes with 3 babies and two toddlers between them.

“I see. Yes, I see that one, too. Yes, I see. I do see, sweetie.” Patient, and seemingly tired, Mom on side of trail responding to her 4- and 5-year-olds who keep wanting her to look at the wild flowers they are picking.

“I’m not sure where that path leads.” Tentative Mom handing coffee drink to her teen daughter as they decide to walk in separate directions.

“OK, there’s the beach over there, and there’s the playground over there. Now go, divide and conquer.” Inventive Mom holding her 3-year-old, then putting him down as he indeed, began dividing and conquering!

And…Proud grandma on park bench showing friend photos of her grandchildren,

“We love who we love, right?”

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Copyright, Gloria DeGaetano, 2021. All rights reserved.